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Acupuncture & Eastern Medicine

ACUPUNCTURE AND EASTERN MEDICINE

Acupuncture in Oak Park and River Forest, IL 

Restore Balance. Reduce Pain. Improve Your Health Naturally.

 

At River Forest Health & Wellness, our acupuncture services blend Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern anatomical and neurological science. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, migraines, stress, or a sports injury, acupuncture can help reduce symptoms and restore balance.

 

Our licensed and board-certified providers use gentle, precise, evidence-based techniques to support your long-term wellness.

Acupuncture treatment performed at River Forest Health & Wellness in River Forest, IL.

Acupuncture at River Forest Health & Wellness 

 

 

Our approach blends traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with modern anatomical and neurological understanding. Every treatment starts with a detailed evaluation, identifying the root cause of your symptoms through both Eastern and Western diagnostic systems.

 

 

Comprehensive Eastern Medicine Evaluation

Your assessment may include:

 

  • Tongue diagnosis (color, coating, shape, cracks, moisture)

  • Pulse diagnosis (rate, depth, quality across 12 pulses)

  • Meridian pathway evaluation

  • Pattern differentiation (e.g., Qi deficiency, Liver stagnation, Damp accumulation, Yin deficiency)

  • Organ system analysis based on TCM theory

  • Movement pattern assessment for musculoskeletal cases

  • Trigger point & motor point exam for pain and sports injuries

This dual approach allows us to build a treatment plan that is highly targeted, comprehensive, and effective.

 

Types of Acupuncture Services We Offer

We provide a range of acupuncture styles to address a wide variety of conditions:

 

 

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

Balancing Qi flow through classical meridian points to improve overall wellness, reduce pain, and restore organ system harmony.

Medical Acupuncture / Anatomical Acupuncture

Using Western neuromuscular anatomy, motor points, and trigger points to decrease pain and improve movement — great for sports injuries, tension, and joint pain.

Electroacupuncture

Gentle electrical stimulation to enhance tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and treat chronic pain or tendinopathy.

Dry Needling (with Eastern integration)

Targets myofascial trigger points while also utilizing meridian theory to improve movement and reduce muscle tension.

Auricular Acupuncture

Ear acupuncture to support stress, anxiety, weight management, addiction recovery, and nervous system regulation.

Prenatal & Postpartum Acupuncture

Safe point selection for pregnancy discomfort, nausea, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery.

Fertility & Hormonal Acupuncture

Helps regulate cycles, improve uterine blood flow, reduce stress hormones, and support natural or IVF-based fertility journeys.

 

 

 

Conditions Acupuncture Helps Treat

Our patients in Oak Park, River Forest, and surrounding communities commonly use acupuncture to support:

 

 

Pain & Musculoskeletal Conditions

  • Low back pain

  • Neck pain and tension

  • Sciatica and nerve pain

  • Rotator cuff and shoulder pain

  • Hip and pelvic pain

  • Knee pain, arthritis, and tendinitis

  • Carpal tunnel symptoms

  • TMJ and jaw pain

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Sports injuries and muscle strains

  • Headaches from posture or muscle tension

Neurologic & Headache Conditions

  • Migraines

  • Tension headaches

  • TMJ dysfunction

  • Cervicogenic headaches

Stress, Mental Health & Sleep

  • Anxiety

  • Chronic stress

  • Insomnia

  • Fatigue and burnout

  • Emotional imbalance

  • Autonomic nervous system dysregulation

Digestion & Metabolic Conditions

  • IBS and bloating

  • Acid reflux

  • Sluggish digestion

  • Appetite imbalance

  • Stress-related gut symptoms

Women’s Health & Hormonal Support

  • Menstrual pain and PMS

  • Irregular cycles

  • Fertility and IVF support

  • Prenatal nausea, pelvic pain

  • Postpartum recovery and milk supply support

  • Menopause symptoms

General Wellness & Preventive Health

  • Immune support

  • Low energy or fatigue

  • Seasonal allergies

  • Sinus congestion

  • Detoxification support

 

 

What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Visit

1. Detailed Evaluation

We review your symptoms, health history, tongue, pulse, and movement patterns.

2. Customized Point Selection

Points are chosen based on your TCM pattern, orthopedic findings, and goals.

3. Comfortable Needle Insertion

Ultra-thin, sterile, single-use needles are placed with minimal sensation.

4. Relaxation Period (15–30 minutes)

Most patients describe feeling deeply calm or even falling asleep.

5. Movement Re-assessment

Particularly for pain and sports injuries, we reassess motion after treatment.

6. Home Care Recommendations

Diet, herbal suggestions, acupressure points, stretching, or breathing exercises as needed.

 

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is a safe, research-supported therapy when performed by trained providers.

We use:

  • FDA-approved, single-use needles

  • Strict clean-needle technique

  • Safe depth and angle guidelines based on anatomy

  • Prenatal-specific protocols

If you have a bleeding disorder, pacemaker, severe illness, or are pregnant, we adjust your treatment accordingly.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most patients feel very minimal sensation—treatments are typically deeply relaxing.

How many sessions do I need?

Most feel improvement in 3–6 visits. Chronic issues may require additional care.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Our staff can verify your benefits.

 

Why Choose Acupuncture at River Forest Health & Wellness?

 

Highly Trained, Board-Certified Providers

Acupuncture is performed by physicians certified through the American Board of Chiropractic Acupuncture (ABCA).

 

Integrated Eastern & Western Approaches

We combine Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern physiologic, neurologic, and musculoskeletal understanding.

 

Customized Care for Every Patient

Your treatment plan is tailored to your health goals, lifestyle, and underlying imbalances.

 

Multiple Modalities Under One Roof

Our integrated clinic allows you to combine acupuncture with chiropractic, physical therapy, DNS rehabilitation, dry needling, shockwave therapy, and massage.

 

Safe, Sterile, and Gentle Techniques

We follow the highest standards of Clean Needle Technique and use only sterile, single-use needles.

 

Trusted by the Oak Park & River Forest Community

Since 2010 our clinic has been known for patient-centered, evidence-based care for families, athletes, and individuals seeking natural, effective healing.

CONTACT INFORMATION 

CONTACT US

HOURS
MONDAY- 8:00am - 8:00pm

TUESDAY - 7:00am - 7:00pm

WEDNESDAY- 8:00am- 7:00pm 

THURSDAY - 8:00am- 7:00pm
FRIDAY - 8:00am- 5:00pm 

SATURDAY - 8:00am - 3:00pm

ADDRESS

7353 LAKE ST 

RIVER FOREST, IL 60305

INFO@RIVERFORESTHEALTH.COM

P:  708.488.0900

F:  708.620.3092

EXPERIENCE CARE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FAQs

What is River Forest Health & Wellness?

River Forest Health & Wellness is a multidisciplinary chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy clinic in River Forest, Illinois. Since 2010, our team has provided personalized, evidence-based care designed to improve movement, relieve pain, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy.

Where is River Forest Health & Wellness located?

Our clinic is located at 7353 Lake Street, River Forest, IL 60305. We regularly serve patients from River Forest, Oak Park, Forest Park, and nearby Chicago communities.

What services does River Forest Health & Wellness offer?

Our services include chiropractic care, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, acupuncture, massage therapy, McKenzie Therapy (MDT), Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), dry needling, shockwave therapy, myofascial release, cupping, neurodynamic treatment, IASTM/Graston techniques, prenatal and Webster Technique care, and pediatric care.

What conditions do you commonly treat?

We commonly help patients experiencing low back pain, neck pain, sciatica and other nerve pain, headaches, shoulder pain, hip and pelvic pain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, sports injuries, repetitive-strain problems, pregnancy-related discomfort, and movement limitations. Your provider will evaluate your condition before recommending treatment.

How is River Forest Health & Wellness different from a typical chiropractic and Physical therapy clinics?

We combine chiropractic care with movement assessment, rehabilitation, acupuncture, massage therapy, and other evidence-based treatments. Patients receive one-on-one care and an individualized plan based on their examination, daily activities, movement patterns, and goals.

Do you offer physical therapy or physiotherapy?

We provide physiotherapy-based rehabilitation focused on restoring mobility, reducing pain, improving strength, and helping patients function more confidently. Treatment may include corrective exercise, movement retraining, manual therapy, education, and self-management strategies.

What is McKenzie Therapy?

The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, commonly called MDT, is an assessment-based approach for spinal and extremity problems. The provider evaluates how repeated movements and positions affect your symptoms, then uses those findings to develop an individualized treatment and self-management plan.

What is Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization?

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, or DNS, is a rehabilitation approach based on developmental movement patterns. It is used to improve breathing mechanics, core stability, joint control, posture, and coordinated movement.

Do you provide acupuncture and dry needling?

Yes. River Forest Health & Wellness offers acupuncture and dry needling as part of its treatment options. Your provider will determine whether either technique is appropriate for your symptoms, health history, and treatment goals.

Do you offer prenatal chiropractic care?

Yes. We provide gentle prenatal chiropractic care, including the Webster Technique. Treatment is intended to support pelvic and musculoskeletal function and help manage pregnancy-related discomfort. It is not a substitute for prenatal medical care from an obstetric provider or midwife.

Do you treat children and teenagers?

Yes. River Forest Health & Wellness provides gentle, age-appropriate  care for infants, children, and teenagers. Care may support healthy movement, development, and recovery from injuries.

Is care available in Spanish?

Yes. Spanish-speaking care is available to help patients communicate clearly with their provider and better understand their evaluation, treatment plan, and home-care recommendations. Contact the office when scheduling to confirm availability.

Does River Forest Health & Wellness accept insurance?

We are in-network with many PPO plans, including Aetna PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Blue Choice PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare PPO, UMR, and Golden Rule plans. Coverage varies by plan, so patients should contact the clinic and their insurer to verify current benefits before treatment.

River Forest Health & Wellness does not accept Medicare and most medical supplemental plans. Its providers are non-participating with Medicare and cannot bill Medicare or Medicare supplemental plans. Cigna may be billed out of network when permitted by the patient’s plan. Massage therapy is private pay and is not billed to insurance.

Do you offer self-pay treatment?

Yes. Private-pay options are available, including for massage therapy and services that may not be covered by insurance. Contact the office for current pricing and information about your specific treatment.

Do I have to receive chiropractic manipulation?

No. Chiropractic manipulation is only one of many treatment options available at River Forest Health & Wellness. If manipulation is not appropriate for you—or you simply prefer not to receive it—that is completely fine. Your comfort and preferences are important to us.

Our team has many other tools to help reduce pain, improve movement, and support your overall health. Depending on your needs, your care may include physiotherapy-based rehabilitation, corrective exercise, gentle mobilization, soft-tissue therapy, acupuncture, dry needling, massage therapy, McKenzie Therapy, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, shockwave therapy, or other techniques. We will discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan with you.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your first appointment generally begins with a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, daily activities, and goals. Your provider will perform an appropriate examination and movement assessment, explain the findings, and recommend a personalized care plan. The exact evaluation and treatment will depend on your condition and the service you schedule.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule through the appointment link on riverforesthealth.com or call River Forest Health & Wellness at 708-488-0900. You may also email info@riverforesthealth.com with general questions. Please do not use email for urgent medical concerns.

What are your office hours?

River Forest Health & Wellness is open Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hours may change, so confirm availability when scheduling.

What is your cancellation policy?

The clinic requests at least 24 hours’ notice when canceling or rescheduling. A missed appointment or late cancellation may result in a charge. If an emergency prevents you from attending, contact the office as soon as possible.

When should I seek emergency medical care instead of scheduling an office visit?

Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, loss of consciousness, a severe or rapidly worsening headache, major trauma, sudden loss of strength, or loss of bowel or bladder control. River Forest Health & Wellness does not replace emergency medical services.

© 2010 - 2026 by River Forest Health and Wellness

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